Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
With bitter cold outside, Friday was a good day to come into the Napanee Area Community Health Centre for a warm bowl at lunch time.
For two hours, the centre opened its doors off Dundas Street to allow visitors to come in and taste entries in the centre’s first Warm Bowl Cook-off. There were 11 crocks and pots filled with chillis, soups, and desserts available for tasting, supplied by local individuals and organizations. By 1:30 as the winner was about to be announced, most of the bowls were nearly empty.
Organizer Brittany Couto said the event served a dual purpose. One was to give back to the United Way, as it funds the NACHC and many of its programs. The other was to promote healthy eating as part of Diabetes Awareness Month.
“We encouraged people to try some healthy home-cooked things they wouldn’t get to have on a normal basis,” Couto said.
The final vote was a close one with the Morningstar Mission’s “Mission chilli” edging a Portuguese soup Couto entered that included chicken, sausage and vegetables.
Given the mission’s penchant for feeding large groups of people, it’s not surprising that its recipe was a favourite. Executive director Kevin Alkenbrack said local ingredients likely helped put the chilli over the top. He said volunteers used local tomatoes they canned themselves and soaked their own beans.
Larry Flint, one of the last visitors of the day, cast a deciding ballot for the entry.
“It’s good, it’s more spicy,” said Flint, who added he enjoyed being able to sample hot foods on a cold day.
Shari Hackett placed third with a curry cauliflower soup.
Visitors were able to sample each item in exchange for donations. Portions of the entries — ranging from broccoli soup to Borscht to dessert apples to several different chillis have been placed in bowls and frozen. They are also available for $5. Those interested in trying them can call 613-354-8937 ext. 7154 or ext. 7117.
During the event, dietitian Aleris Cronk shared information about the NACHC’s diabetes education program. Adults with pre-diabetes,Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes are eligible to participate either by self referral or physician referral. The program offers one-on-one or group consultation, has a dietitian and registered nurse on staff, and has plenty of resources available. On Friday, it gave away a cookbook with diabetic-friendly recipes as a door prize.
Couto said the centre would likely make the cook-off a regular event.